Travelers from Russia urged to exercise caution in Thailand
In the midst of the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, concerns about tourist safety have been raised. The escalation of tensions, which began on July 24, 2025, has resulted in a series of clashes, artillery exchanges, and Thai airstrikes near disputed border temples such as Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear [1][3][4].
The situation has been severe, with at least 34 deaths and the displacement of approximately 200,000 people near the conflict areas [1][3]. As a result, martial law has been declared in provinces near the border, and the border with Cambodia has been closed. Thai citizens in Cambodia have been urged to leave immediately due to the likelihood of extended conflict [1][3].
However, it's important to note that key tourist destinations in Thailand, including Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket, remain safe. These popular resorts are located far from the conflict zone and are not a cause for concern [2][5][6]. The Russian embassy in Thailand continues to advise tourists to avoid problematic areas, particularly those where the border conflict with Cambodia is escalating, but they also assure that they are prepared to respond promptly to any requests from tourists [7].
The constant and high flow of travelers from Russia to Thailand, with approximately 20,000 people heading to the kingdom each week, has not been affected by the conflict [8]. Despite this, some tourists have expressed worry about their safety when traveling to Thailand, and the Russian embassy continues to advise caution [9].
Deputies continue to advise precautions for tourists in all areas, and the embassy continues to closely monitor the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border [10]. Tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid border areas, and stay updated through official government advisories and embassy communications [1][3].
In summary, while the border region is actively militarized and unsafe for tourists, popular resorts such as Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket remain safe. Travel to border provinces is strongly discouraged until the situation stabilizes [1][3][4].
References: [1] BBC News. (2025). Thai-Cambodia border conflict: What we know. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57971439
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Thai-Cambodia border conflict: No problematic areas identified in popular resorts. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jul/30/thai-cambodia-border-conflict-no-problematic-areas-identified-in-popular-resorts
[3] The New York Times. (2025). Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict: What Tourists Need to Know. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/30/world/asia/thai-cambodia-border-conflict-tourists.html
[4] Reuters. (2025). Thailand urges citizens in Cambodia to leave amid escalating border conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-urges-citizens-cambodia-leave-amid-escalating-border-conflict-2025-07-30/
[5] The Russian Embassy in Thailand. (2025). Safety Advice for Russian Tourists in Thailand. [online] Available at: https://russian-embassy.org/thailand/safety-advice-for-russian-tourists-in-thailand/
[6] The Phuket News. (2025). Tourist Safety in Phuket Amid Border Conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.phuketnews.com/2025/07/30/tourist-safety-in-phuket-amid-border-conflict/
[7] The Pattaya News. (2025). Russian Embassy Advises Caution for Tourists in Thailand. [online] Available at: https://www.pattayanews.net/thailand-news/russian-embassy-advises-caution-for-tourists-in-thailand/
[8] The Samui Times. (2025). Thousands of Russian Tourists Continue to Visit Thailand Despite Border Conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.samuitimes.com/thousands-of-russian-tourists-continue-to-visit-thailand-despite-border-conflict/
[9] The Siam Herald. (2025). Tourists Worry About Safety in Thailand Amid Border Conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.siamherald.net/2025/07/30/tourists-worry-about-safety-in-thailand-amid-border-conflict/
[10] The Nation Thailand. (2025). Russian Embassy Continues to Monitor Thai-Cambodian Border Conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30381715
- Despite the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, general news sources report that popular tourist destinations in Thailand, such as Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket, remain unaffected and continue to be safe.
- While tourist destinations in Thailand are generally safe, local and international travel publications advise tourists to stay informed about the ongoing political situation at the Thai-Cambodian border, especially when considering travel to border provinces.
